#London #UK #Europe's 50 Best Bars #Academy Chairs #Bar Awards

Celebrating Europe’s Top 50 Bars

The anticipation surrounding the first edition of Europe's 50 Best Bars has reached new heights with the announcement of the ten award categories and the selection of Academy Chairs. This prestigious recognition aims to spotlight the vibrant bar scene across Europe, promising a compelling mix of classic establishments and innovative newcomers.

On January 14, 2026, the organization behind the globally recognized The World’s 50 Best Bars, known as 50 Best, will reveal its list of Europe’s top bars, alongside the winners of various special awards, during a live ceremony. The details regarding the date and venue of this event are to be announced soon, creating further excitement among bar enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Academy Chairs and Voting Structure

Central to the process of selecting the top bars is the Europe's 50 Best Bars Academy, which is made up of 300 anonymous experts from the drinks industry, ensuring a rich diversity of opinions. These experts include bartenders, bar owners, drinks media representatives, and travelling cocktail enthusiasts. They are chosen from various regions across Europe to bring a balanced perspective.

The voting process will focus exclusively on bar experiences in Europe and will occur during a designated voting period, separate from The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy. Each of the eleven Academy Chairs represents a specific sub-region of Europe, ensuring that the vast variety of bars is adequately represented. The selected Academy Chairs are:

• - Bára Urbanová (Greece, Turkey, Southern Balkans)
• - Eleni Nikoloulia (Greece, Turkey, Southern Balkans)
• - Alia Akkam (Hungary, Southern Europe, Northern Balkans)
• - Juliane Reichert (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
• - Arina Nikolskaya (Eastern Europe and the Baltics)
• - François Monti (Spain and Portugal)
• - Hamish Smith (UK and Ireland)
• - Laurence Marot (France)
• - Jakob Sundin (Nordic countries)
• - Ara Carvallo (Benelux)
• - Penelope Vaglini (Italy)

Special Award Categories

To honor exceptional contributions within the bar community, a variety of awards will be presented:
1. Michter's Art of Hospitality Award - Celebrating bars that exemplify warmth and excellent guest interaction.
2. Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award - Acknowledging peer-nominated professionals for their innovation and industry impact.
3. One To Watch Award - Focused on an emerging bar anticipated to gain recognition in future rankings.
4. Icon Award - Given to individuals making profound contributions to the hospitality industry.
5. Best New Opening Award - Honoring outstanding new establishments making waves in Europe’s bar scene.
6. Sustainable Bar Award - Recognizing a bar’s exceptional commitment to sustainable practices.
7. Best Cocktail Menu Award - Celebrating creativity and innovation in cocktail offerings.
8. Best Bar Design Award - Honoring spaces that creatively integrate aesthetics with functionality.
9. Best in Destination Award - Awarded to the top bar in each respective region.
10. The Best Bar in Europe 2026 - The prestigious title for the bar ranked No.1.

As the bar scene continues to evolve, the inaugural Europe's 50 Best Bars list aims to provide an influential benchmark for both patrons and industry experts. With its emphasis on unique experiences and dedication to quality, this initiative promises to enhance how bar culture is perceived and celebrated across the continent.

Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement regarding the date and location of the live awards ceremony, and get ready to raise a glass to Europe’s finest bars!